Aussie tennis star Bernard Tomic verbally abuses staff

Brisbane: Australia's top-ranked player Bernard Tomic has clashed with security and staff over a practice court during his Australian Open build-up, a report said yesterday.

Bernard Tomic

The trouble-prone 23-year-old told recreational players to leave the court at the Royal Pines resort on Australia's Gold Coast before verbally abusing intervening staff late last week, Brisbane's Courier Mail reported. A resort member said Tomic, who has earned millions of dollars from tennis and endorsements, then baulked at paying the Aus$20 (US$14) court hire fee.

"He (the court manager) continued to be polite and asked: 'Who do I need to see to pay (the fee)?'" the member, who declined to be named, told the newspaper. "That's when Bernard gave him absolute verbal and foul language." He added that security was called to ask the World No 18 and his team to leave. The player later apologised and said, "I've been so focused on preparing for all my matches, I know there's no excuse for my behaviour," he said.